Black Dawn by Morgan Brautigan Read Free Book Online

lot of seniority.
    The doors swished open and the captain entered. Lamont
strode to the front of the room and looked over the group. Its first crew
since... They all looked back with various degrees of puzzlement and
curiosity. It
was very glad none of them had seen it pacing the corridor outside this
room , doing battle with its warring desires.
There was no need for gavel banging or throat clearing. Everyone’s attention was locked to the person before them.
    “I believe”, Coy opened, “ in doing what is right. And I believe in doing what is correct. And I have found they are not always
the same.” There was a murmur of agreement around the room.
    “Perhaps you have wondered what kept you on board when so
many others have been sent away. It is my understanding from talking
to each of you, that you, each in your own circumstances, have had to
choose between right and correct. Between honor and duty. It is not
an easy decision. Many of us have paid dearly for our choices. We
have lost family, homes, careers and friends. But those choices led
you here, to this moment. To the BlackFleet.”
    Some of the puzzlement melted away. A myriad of expressions took its place. Old pain, damaged pride, skeptical hope.
“Many have asked what you were hired for. What the BlackFleet is going to be. Well, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to be
heroes. For anyone who needs us. Profit is not going to be our first
priority. If it is yours, let me know now, while the other side of the
airlock is attached to the station.” Coy paused. Did they understand
what it was asking of them? Had it read them right during those, often
hasty, interviews? It went on. “Another belief of mine is that everyone
deserves the right to prove - and improve - themselves. Many of you
have military experience, which has been considered, but it is not the
only grounds for an assignment.
“As of yet we have no rank insignia. We will, however, be
professional. I expect you to follow proper form and courtesy whether
someone is wearing a pin or not. As you know, I am owner and captain of this ship. You will address me as such. Commander Butler...”
a nod and he rose from his seat... “is second in command and Executive Officer. He’s the one you tell your problems to.” Coy gave him a
small nod. He returned a grimace. “Commander Bon...” Butler sat
and Bon rose. ... “ is our Chief Engineer and third in command. Which
makes him responsible
for anything that doesn’t work.” Bon saluted and sat. “Jump Pilot
Hoffman,” he remained seated, “that’s rather self explanatory. And
you don’t bother him with anything .” A small spattering of chuckles
acknowledged the value of the JP. “Med Tech Byars is in charge of
bumps, bruises and migraines. Lieutenant Parker is Navigation and
Weapons. Lieutenant Aziza is Communications. Those, for now, are
the officers.
“Sgt. Schiff is our hand to hand expert and is in charge of
ground troop training and crew fitness. We will all get to know him
very well over the next few weeks. His second is Cpl. Rebel. Troopers are, Pierce, Vennefron, Sweggert, Knepp, Donald and Erhardt.
Bon’s second in Engineering is Cpl. Luka. Techs are, Palo, Nathon,
Swift and McKnight. Pedula will be our shuttle pilot. Terrell is
Corpsman. “
Myke Pedula gave a small sigh at the announcement. Having
noticed his discomfort during the last jump, Coy discovered upon further conversation that he was, more than likely, a natural born pilot.
Assigning him to the shuttle was the first step toward ultimately getting the training that would allow him to reach his potential. Assuming
he could overcome his ingrained opinion that his abilities made him
abnormal.
    “Those are primary assignments. You will each have secondary and tertiary training. In an emergency everyone is a tech, everyone
is a trooper and everyone better know first aid and stasis prep. Anyone who, for personal reasons does not wish to be frozen and revived
can put that